Growing up, I have always been an introvert. I was that kid that sat on the side lines watching everything around me. I enjoy observing the intricate details of life - the color, the smell, the personality, how people move in it, etc.
As I got older, that joy in details grew into an admiration for photography and the ability to tell a story in a single snap shot. So whenever I get a free moment to pick up my camera, I do it!
It's been a long time coming, but I am officially done with school (FOREVER, woot woot)! I'm a full time sonographer, working two jobs, trying to balance my career and my love for photography. I spend all day imaging people's insides and during my spare time I like to image people's outside :) Photography is one of my favorite past times, but with only so many hours in a day, it remains my hobby. Thus, I will be available for limited portrait sessions.

That's a little about me... now, tell me about you! I look forward to hearing from you.

Monday, September 13, 2010

For years now, I've been dying to photograph these two munchkins. A few weeks ago, my dream came true :) Lol

Meet Elle and Timmy. Elle was one of my gorgeous flower girls a few years ago and look how much she has grown. Even though she's older and now in school, three things remain the same-- her big heart, her beautiful curls, and her stunning blue eyes! Her little brother Timmy isn't too shabby himself. A little Abercrombie model in the making, Timmy is full of life and is so much fun to be around. Such a ham. He gives free hugs, and I'm happy to accept them!

Thank you Tate for letting me photograph your kids! You'll have to let me do it more often!

Sunday, September 12, 2010

I've been meaning to write this post for a few months now... I've been a bit MIA because I've finally taken on a huge change.

In case you did not know, I got my degree in architecture (even a master's) and spent a year working in the field. I would have to say that my heart was never in it. Initially my intentions were to do something in the medical field. In fact, I was on track to become a dentist. Somewhere along that path, I decided that I would give architecture a try. I got into because I sort of had an artistic hand and let's face it, how awesome does it sound to say that you are an architect? Something about the field made me uneasy. It wasn't that I couldn't do it. I was actually quite successful. I pushed myself, believed that my professors/mentors knew better for me (than I did), and hoped that I would love it one day. As the years went by, the uneasiness worsened, but I felt like I was in too deep. It was surely too late to get out. I still held onto the hope that, one day, it would get better.

Getting my master's degree was perhaps the best thing that I could have done. I no longer hoped that it would be better. Instead, it was confirmation (finally) that architecture was not for me. Now the next challenge was to face my family, friends, peers, and mentors. After years of moral and financial support, I felt like I would let them down.

After months of debating the pro's and con's of leaving architecture, getting the courage to face my peers, and finally allowing myself to let go of my ego, I decided that it was time to move forward. Luckily when I made that decision, I had the love and support of my family and friends which made the transition a lot easier.

Now, I am on track to become a diagnostic medical sonographer, or your friendly ultrasound tech :) Deciding that this field is for me took some time as well. I wanted to be sure that I didn't make the same mistake that I did with architecture so I did my research and some observation hours for confirmation. In this economy, getting the prerequisite classes that you need to even apply to a program was a challenge. It was a good thing I was up for it. During this last spring and summer I busted my butt off to find the classes that I needed. This meant applying to five different community colleges, camping out at the different schools to petition for the classes, and then commuting about 350 miles a week to complete the courses. While other students were waiting around for their school to have openings for classes, I commuted my way into one of the best ultrasound programs in California. I completed my last class this summer and got accepted into Loma Linda University.

Long story short, I moved out of the hustle and bustle of Hollywood and into a more suburban life in the Inland Empire.

I start the program in a few short days and I'm a bit anxious. However, I am eager to finally be in a field where I feel like I am contributing to the good of mankind... something that I have always wanted to do. So, the future looks bright! With this career I will be able to live the lifestyle that I want and have the family that I've always dreamed of. Plus, I get to wear scrubs!

With that, I'll leave you with this architectural image from my very last project. Cheers to following your heart!

I love watching Melia grow into the big girl that she is. Beautiful doesn't even begin to describe this one. She is absolutely gorgeous... takes after her parents for sure. She has a big personality and an even bigger spirit. Just look at her rock these boots!